Maths programme to help pupils
A MULTIFACETED analytics programme is currently being implemented to help address mathematics at Loeriesfontein High School, which has historically experienced a major decrease in pupils taking maths at a senior level, with only one pupil registered to write maths in the 2018 matric class.
Loeriesfontein and Khobab wind farms are investing a significant portion of their socio-economic development funding into this programme, which is aimed at tackling individual pupil deficits and poor teaching techniques.
“We are acutely aware that South Africa lags behind other peer economies when it comes to the quality and quantity of pupils opting to take mathematics as a subject in Grade 10, as well as the pass rate achieved in mathematics in Grade 12, which is why we have opted to focus a large portion of our development funding on this programme,” Vanessa Fredericks, economic development manager for Loeriesfontein Wind Farm, said.
She added that 86 maths pupils at Loeriesfontein High School, comprising of 46 in Grade 8, 25 in Grade 9 and 15 in Grades 10 to 12, were participating in this multifaceted analytics programme.
“The programme is addressing mathematics concepts with a reflective approach, which has been shown to be able to catch up the equivalent of six grades in a single year.
“The initial assessments, conducted just over a month ago, provided the data on which personalised pupil workbooks are based. All the participating pupils received their books shortly after the recent July school holidays.
“The aim is to increase maths proficiencies and understanding in pupils as well as looking for double digit improvement in results after the secondary round of assessments, which is scheduled for later this year,” Fredericks added.
In addition to the personalised workbooks, the school will have permanent internet provided via a satellite connection by a local ISP. This is one of the few schools in this Northern Cape district to have internet connection for the use of pupils and staff.
“Socio-economic conditions are tough and motivating the pupils remains a challenge, however, with access to the internet, mathematics materials, including state-of-the-art scientific calculators, textbooks, maths sets and the personalised workbooks, it is envisaged that the motivation levels will improve,” Fredericks concluded.